Loaded Cheese Fries
Loaded Cheese Fries is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Delish on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $5.15 total, $1.29 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet Potatoes (peeled and cut into 1/4‑inch sticks)
- 4 cups Vegetable Oil (for deep frying; use a high‑smoke‑point oil)
- 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Cut Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and slice them into uniform 1/4‑inch sticks so they cook evenly.
Time: PT5M
Soak
Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for 15 minutes to remove excess starch.
Time: PT15M
Drain and Dry
Drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Any moisture will cause oil splatter.
Time: PT5M
Heat Oil for First Fry
Add the vegetable oil to the pot and heat to 325°F (163°C). Use the thermometer to check the temperature.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 325°F
First Fry (Blanch)
Working in small batches, fry the potatoes for 3–4 minutes until they are just tender but not colored. Remove with a slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 325°F
Rest
Allow the blanched potatoes to rest for 5 minutes. This helps develop a fluffy interior.
Time: PT5M
Heat Oil for Second Fry
Raise the oil temperature to 375°F (191°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 375°F
Second Fry (Crisp)
Fry the potatoes again, 2–3 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on fresh paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 375°F
Season
While still hot, sprinkle the fries with fine sea salt (and garlic powder, if using). Toss to coat evenly.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 300
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Russet Potatoes: sweet potatoes, yellow potatoes
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: canola oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil
- Instead of Fine Sea Salt: kosher salt, table salt
- Instead of Garlic Powder: onion powder, paprika
Equipment Needed
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large Bowl
- Heavy‑Bottomed Pot
- Instant‑Read Thermometer
- Slotted Spoon
- Paper Towels
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cut potatoes into uniform sticks
- Soak potatoes to remove starch
- Dry potatoes thoroughly before frying
- First fry at 325°F to cook interior
- Second fry at 375°F for crisp exterior
Chef Tips from the Video
- Double‑fry is the secret to restaurant‑style crispness.
- Season immediately after the second fry while the fries are still hot.
- For extra flavor, toss the finished fries with a pinch of smoked paprika or fresh herbs.
Troubleshooting
Fries are soggy after the second fry.
Make sure the potatoes are completely dry before frying and that the oil is at the correct temperature (375°F). Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
Fries are burnt on the outside but still raw inside.
Lower the first‑fry temperature to 300‑325°F and increase the first‑fry time slightly. Ensure the second fry is brief (2‑3 min) at 375°F.
Oil splatters during frying.
Dry potatoes thoroughly and add them gently to the oil. Use a splatter guard if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in oven to regain crispness.
Freezer: Freeze cooked fries on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 1 month. Re‑fry or bake from frozen.
Room temperature: Not recommended; fries become soggy and may develop bacterial growth after 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Soak the cut potatoes for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator; drain and dry before frying.
- Par‑cook (first fry) the potatoes and freeze them; finish with a second fry when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of French fries in American cuisine?
French fries, often called "fries" in the United States, became popular in the early 20th century as a fast‑food staple. Though their exact origin is debated between Belgium and France, they have become an iconic side dish accompanying burgers, sandwiches, and diners across America.
What are the traditional regional variations of French fries in American cuisine?
In the United States, you’ll find shoestring fries in the Northeast, thick steak‑cut fries in the Midwest, and seasoned Cajun‑spiced fries in the South. Each region adds its own twist of cut size and seasoning.
How are French fries traditionally served in American diners?
American diners typically serve French fries hot, lightly salted, and often with ketchup, malt vinegar, or a side of cheese sauce. They may be placed in a paper basket or on a plate alongside a burger or sandwich.
What occasions or celebrations are French fries traditionally associated with in American culture?
French fries are a staple at casual gatherings such as barbecues, sports‑watch parties, and fast‑food meals. They’re also a common side at family dinners and late‑night snack runs.
What other American dishes pair well with homemade French fries from the Delish channel?
Homemade French fries pair perfectly with classic American burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, and milkshakes. They also complement chili, poutine, or a simple grilled cheese sandwich.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for French fries versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditionally, French fries are made from starchy potatoes (like Russet) and a neutral high‑smoke‑point oil such as vegetable or peanut oil. Substitutes include sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor or canola oil if you prefer a lower‑cost oil.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making French fries at home using the Delish recipe?
Common mistakes include not soaking the potatoes (which leads to gummy fries), failing to dry them before frying (causing oil splatter), and overcrowding the pot (which drops oil temperature and makes fries soggy). Following the double‑fry method at the correct temperatures prevents these issues.
Why does this French fries recipe use a double‑fry technique instead of a single fry?
The double‑fry technique first cooks the interior at a lower temperature, then crisps the exterior at a higher temperature. This creates fries that are fluffy inside and crunchy outside, which a single fry cannot achieve consistently.
Can I make French fries ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. After the first fry, you can cool the fries, store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and finish with the second fry just before serving. For longer storage, freeze the blanched fries on a tray and transfer to a zip‑top bag.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making French fries using the Delish method?
After the first fry, the potatoes should be pale and just tender. After the second fry, they should be golden‑brown, crisp to the bite, and have a slight sheen from the oil. The interior should be fluffy, not mushy.
How do I know when French fries are done cooking in the Delish recipe?
The fries are done when they turn a uniform golden‑brown color, feel crisp when touched, and float to the surface of the oil. A quick taste test should reveal a crunchy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
What does the YouTube channel Delish specialize in?
The YouTube channel Delish specializes in quick, approachable home‑cooking videos that cover a wide range of cuisines, from comfort foods to trending recipes, often focusing on easy techniques for everyday cooks.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Delish?
Delish emphasizes simple, step‑by‑step instructions, minimal equipment, and flavor‑forward dishes that can be prepared in under an hour. Their style blends clear visuals with upbeat music to keep viewers engaged.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
